Nearly one million people packed the streets of Boston on Sunday, March 15, for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. While some said this year’s festivities felt less chaotic than past years, crowds along the parade route were still seen engaging in the usual misconduct, ranging from vandalism to public urination. Between watching floats, Revolutionary War reenactors, and Highland cows, many attendees drank alcohol and smoked marijuana as one of the city’s largest annual celebrations unfolded.
The parade traditionally draws increased police attention and arrests related to public drinking violations and crowd-control concerns. This year, Boston Police Department officers arrested 17 people for charges such as assault and battery on a police officer, drug possession with intent to distribute, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and drinking an alcoholic beverage in public, according to Boston.com.
BPD launched its parade crackdown last year. City leaders described the event as having an “anything goes” atmosphere, citing incidents such as assaults that spread on social media, overcrowded rooftop parties, beer cans thrown at parade marchers, and public urination on residents’ property. BPD arrested nine people and summoned four others to court following incidents along the parade route last year. Charges ranged from disorderly conduct and underage drinking to assault and destruction of property.
Officers have continuously confiscated large quantities of alcohol over the past few years, including Sunday’s parade. Police have also been targeting BORGs — “blackout rage gallons,” which are large containers of mixed drinks popular with college students — confiscating hundreds last year.
Local leaders say the goal of the increased enforcement is to return the historic parade to a family-friendly celebration honoring Irish heritage and military veterans, rather than a day dominated by heavy drinking and rowdy crowds. Still, many parts of the parade remain disorderly, with public alcohol and drug consumption on display.
